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Guildford Draft Local Plan

Jim Morris, Ripley Parish clerk and responsible financial officer, said: "The parish council bought the land, which was derelict former agricultural land, some time ago with the aim of creating further space for burials.

"The land was quite waterlogged, however, and a solution to the area’s flooding problems was proposed by excavating a small nature pond.

"A small working group, including local residents was formed and plans were drawn up and submitted. Planning approval was granted in September 2016 - despite concerns over development in the green belt.

"The parish now has a half acre Nature Reserve site, with pond and boardwalk, as a place to relax and enjoy being outdoors. Hopefully we’ll have a few species appear.

"There’s already been sightings of various water insects and around 27 different bird species. Hopefully the pond will help dry out the adjacent land and help us get the burial ground extended too.

"Our thanks especially go to the members of the Nature Reserve Working Group, Chris Heath, who designed the site, and Land & Water, who were the perfect contractor for the job - highly recommended!"

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